PSG threaten Messi bid

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has warned Barcelona he will meet Lionel Messi’s release clause if they continue to pursue Thiago Silva.

The Spanish champions are reportedly interested in a deal for the centre-back and have pursued him throughout the close-season.

However, the Parisien giants and the player himself have both moved to quell speculation of his departure with public statements that he will stay in Ligue 1.

And now reports in France suggest that Al-Khelaifi is ready to go up against Tito Vilanova’s side in a bid to dissuade them from lodging an offer for the Brazil international, by claiming that in return he would put a massive bid together for Messi.

“If Barca pay the buy-out clause of Thiago Silva then I will meet Messi’s buy-out clause,” he told ActuSports.fr.

The 28-year-old Silva was a key part of a PSG side that lifted the Ligue 1 title for the first time since 1994 last term, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

He featured on 22 occasions in the league for the Parc des Princes outfit during 2012-13.